Rail

Pittsburgh light rail extension readies for opening

PITTSBURGH — The Port Authority of Allegheny County's new 1.2-mile light rail extension, the North Shore Connector, which took a test run earlier this week, is slated to open on March 25, according to a Beaver County Times report. The $523 million project shuttles passengers between the new Gateway Station downtown to the elevated Allegheny Station, adjacent to Heinz Field on the North Shore.

Economic development within one-half mile of the system has been stimulated by ridership that has exceeded original projections. Valley Metro began compiling development activity since construction started in 2005 as part of an economic development database.

The new bike car contains 14 racks that will provide more room to maneuver bicycles on and off the train. A set of seats were removed from the lower level of the vehicle to make room for the bike racks.